I expect you to find the right problems to solve.
Is there anything you think we should remove from our development process?
What decisions of the past do you feel get in our way?
Where do you believe we are asking the wrong questions?

You should be able to answer (for yourself)
Why are you here?
Why games?
What does success mean to you?
What is most important to you about the player experience?
What is most important to you about the development experience?
What frustrates or irritates you most about the player experience?
What frustrates or irritates you most about the development experience?
What frustrates or irritates you most about yourself?
What are three things that you would like other gamedevs to say about you?
What are three words you would use to describe your point of view on technical issues?
What are three words you would use to describe your point of view on personal development?
When was a time when you felt a lead personally let you down?
When was a time when you felt a lead really helped you out?

You have accepted responsibility for…
...ensuring the expectations of and for each of your gamedevs are realistic
Mike Acton @mike_acton macton@insomniacgames.com
Gamedev Studio Leader Responsibility
22 of 45

You have accepted responsibility for…
...encouraging each of your gamedevs to use their own judgment in their work
Mike Acton @mike_acton macton@insomniacgames.com
Gamedev Studio Leader Responsibility
26 of 45

You have accepted responsibility for…
...being honest with each of your gamedevs and yourself about the state of the game
Mike Acton @mike_acton macton@insomniacgames.com
Gamedev Studio Leader Responsibility
27 of 45

One-on-ones (general framework)
Let them know whether or not they are meeting your expectations. Do not put this off. Do not avoid this discussion.
Answer any questions your gamedev may have. Listen to any feedback.
Ask probing questions.
I find 30 minutes to be a reasonable guideline. Times can vary greatly from gamedev to gamedev and situation to situation. Sometimes 10 minutes is perfect. Sometimes you need an hour or more.

You have accepted responsibility for…
...helping each of your gamedevs to do exactly what they want to do with their professional careers
Mike Acton @mike_acton macton@insomniacgames.com
Gamedev Studio Leader Responsibility
34 of 45

One-on-one questions
What concrete, specific feedback would you like to have about yourself?
What has been the same for a long time that you think needs some more attention?
What do you find most difficult?
What do you find most frustrating?
Where do you feel like you are being held back?
Is there anything you feel is wasting your time?
What do you think I need to be more aware of or paying more attention to?
What do you think you need to be paying more attention to?
What do you consider your next big career step? What are you doing to get there?

You have accepted responsibility for…
...taking measures to at least evaluate any potential problem any of your gamedevs may point out
Mike Acton @mike_acton macton@insomniacgames.com
Gamedev Studio Leader Responsibility
36 of 45

You have accepted responsibility for…
...ensuring nobody in the studio is holding any of your gamedevs back from improving themselves in substantial ways
Mike Acton @mike_acton macton@insomniacgames.com
Gamedev Studio Leader Responsibility
42 of 45

You have accepted responsibility for…
...ensuring each of your gamedevs’ time at the studio has improved their skills
Mike Acton @mike_acton macton@insomniacgames.com
Gamedev Studio Leader Responsibility
43 of 45

You have accepted responsibility for…
...ensuring each of your gamedevs have the opportunity to contribute to decisions that affect them
Mike Acton @mike_acton macton@insomniacgames.com
Gamedev Studio Leader Responsibility
45 of 45

You have accepted responsibility for…
...reminding each of your gamedevs to hold themselves to high quality standards and encouraging them to expect the same
Mike Acton @mike_acton macton@insomniacgames.com
Gamedev Studio Leader Responsibility
47 of 45

Accountability: When things aren’t working
Set clear expectations. Double down.
Don’t be vague; Don’t cushion the blow.
Tackle problems early and hard. Small problems lead to large problems.
Make sure they can articulate expectations back
Keep good notes. Share them.

Challenge me.
What do you think I need to be more aware of or paying more attention to?
Is there anything you’re doing that you’d like to bring attention to or for me to take more interest in?
Name one thing you might do differently in my position.